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Research Identifies Gene Responsible For Psoriasis

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Psoriasis

According to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, psoriasis is caused by rare mutations of the CARD14 gene. The discovery was made by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St.. Louis. Psoriasis, affects approximately 3-5% of the population and is a chronic dermatological disease manifested most frequently by erythematous plaques, well-defined and covered by scales. Until recently the cause was not known, but there several triggers have been incriminated , such as trauma, certain drugs or infections, like streptococcic throat infection . It is important to note that psoriasis is inherited in families and that it usually appears during childhood. In addition to skin manifestations, sometimes the condition is accompanied by pruritus and pain. Psoriasis has a significant aesthetic impact. Treatment consists of emollients, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, corticosteroids, phototherapy. In severe cases, when psoriasis is manifested by painful arthritis, the patient may receive methotrexate or immunosuppressive agents.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis

In terms of histopathology, psoriasis is characterized by a proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes combined with dermal inflammation . Normally, skin cells have a turn over period of 28 days (they grow and mature gradually ov